Built from 1971-74 in an unusual collaboration between Ford Motor Company and Italian builder Alejandro de Tomaso, the Pantera combined exotic sports-car styling with the power and reliability of the Ford 351 Cleveland engine. Ford’s Lee Iacocca requested the Pantera as a two-seater replacement for the earlier Shelby Cobra, which had been discontinued in 1967. Sticker priced at about half the cost of a Ferrari or Maserati, the mostly hand-built Pantera was recognized as the first affordable mid-engine exotic, with “Car & Driver” describing it as a “$25,000 car for 10 grand,” which was still a lot of money for a two-seater in the early 1970s. Sold through the Lincoln-Mercury Division, the wedge-shaped Pantera was designed by Italy’s Ghia styling studios and came with all-independent suspension, coilover shocks, 4-wheel disc brakes, rack-and-pinion steering, Campagnolo magnesium wheels and fully synchronized 5-speed ZF manual trans-axle with gated shifter. At first, the 351 Cleveland 4V engine was rated at 310 HP, but by 1973, the power rating had dropped to 266 HP due to stricter emissions standards and the new SAE net measuring system. Still, in the 3,100-pound Pantera, the power was sufficient to propel the sports car to 14-second quarter-mile times and a top speed of more than 160 MPH. This 1973 Pantera is a California car with just 66,000 believed-original miles. The car retains its original 351 Cleveland engine and ZF trans-axle. Featuring a black leather interior, the rust-free Pantera has been updated with upgraded cooling and braking systems, a new clutch and one refresh in the original shade of yellow. The front and rear bumpers, as well as the rear wing, have been custom wrapped in carbon fiber. Just more than 2,000 Panteras were produced for 1973, making it not only a unique Lincoln-Mercury sports car, but also a rare example of an American and Italian collaboration.

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Information found on the website is presented as advance information for the auction lot. Photos, materials for videos, descriptions and other information are provided by the consignor/seller and is deemed reliable, but Mecum Auction does not verify, warrant or guarantee this information. The lot and information presented at auction on the auction block supersedes any previous descriptions or information. Mecum is not responsible for information that may be changed or updated prior to the auction. The decision to purchase should be based solely on the buyers personal inspection of the lot at the auction site prior to the auction.